Since the monsoon rains hit Pakistan in late July, 32 U.S. aid groups polled by The Chronicle of Philanthropy have raised $25-million. To put this response in perspective, by this time after the Haiti earthquake, 48 groups had brought in a total of $774 million. Aid workers are struggling to adequately respond to the estimated 20 million people affected by this disaster. Of the highest concern are long-term recovery efforts. To learn more, read the article below and keep up to date on emergency efforts at Lutheran World Relief.
From The Chronicle of Philanthropy:
“As fund raisers struggle with how to spur more gifts, aid workers in Pakistan are trying to respond to the humanitarian needs with few resources at their disposal.
The floods have cut off access to many people, so aid workers are relying on donkeys, boats, and helicopters, when they can get access to them, to ferry supplies to flood victims…
Outbreaks of diarrhea, which can be deadly for children especially, are occurring. Aid workers are also warning about cholera and other illnesses.
And while aid officials must make tough choices now about what sorts of health care and other assistance they can afford to offer, they warn that the shortfall in money will be more apparent when it comes to rebuilding the devastated areas and helping people return to their normal lives.”
Full Article: “Weak Giving Impedes Relief Efforts in Pakistan”